Historic Preservation

Historic Preservation Awards Program

To nominate a property for a Historic Preservation Award, fill out the application form and submit it, along with photographs of the property, to the City of Buda Planning & Engineering Department. Once your application is submitted, the Historic Preservation Commission will review the application to determine if the structure meets the eligibility criteria and how it compares against other submissions.

If the application is selected, a marker will be ordered, awarded to the property owner and be affixed to the front of the structure with tamper-proof brass screws. The Historic Preservation Commission may consider other display methods if structural mounting poses a risk to the integrity of the structure or a particular characteristic of the structure. The Historic Preservation Commission, through the City of Buda, will provide and install the Marker. There is no fee for Preservation Awards.

Preservation Awards will not restrict property owners from making appropriate changes to their property. However, changes considered inappropriate to the significant architectural elements or details of a structure or site will result in loss of designation and removal of the Marker. This includes removing important architectural features, installing vinyl siding, replacing original windows with vinyl or metal windows, building inappropriate or insensitive additions, or otherwise destroying the integrity of the original structure.

Categories and Criteria
The City of Buda Historic Preservation Awards Program recognizes outstanding contributions to the preservation of Buda’s historic fabric. The Historic Preservation Awards will be presented by the Historic Preservation Commission to individuals or organizations for preservation projects of significant and lasting value.
Awards will be presented on the basis of the following criteria:

Project design sensitivity to the historic character, original architectural elements and fabric of the property, and degree of preservation or restoration achieved.

Project execution representing the best preservation practice and use of appropriate techniques and materials germane to its period and style whenever possible.

Degree of difficulty of problems or threats faced, and the creativity and appropriateness of the solutions applied.

Impact of project on the community and on the preservation of Buda’s historic resources, showing leadership, programs and project organization.

Level of funding provided by the Buda Improvement Grant.

The accuracy of the background information provided and the completeness of the nomination form are an integral part of the decision to recognize a project with a Preservation Award. The Historic Preservation Awards will be presented in May as part of Historic Preservation Month. The awards are chosen by the Historic Preservation Commission in collaboration with the City of Buda.

To nominate a property, complete the Application Form and submit it with supporting documentation to the City of Buda City Hall Annex, 100 Houston Street, Buda, Texas 78610. Mailed applications may be sent to P.O. Box 1218, Buda, Texas 78610.

Category Descriptions
The Historic Preservation Commission may award no more than one application in each of the following categories each year. The Commission may choose not to award any application in a category if the Commission feels the project does not satisfactorily meet the criteria.

Exterior Restoration for Residential: This category acknowledges historic residential restoration projects for the exterior of the structure, in which the architect, contractor or owner exhibited exceptional care, sensitivity and respect for the historic fabric and/or setting of the property. The restoration should repair intact historic elements and detailing and replicate any missing elements, using historic materials whenever possible.

Exterior Restoration for Mixed-Use/Commercial: This category acknowledges historic mixed-use or commercial restoration projects for the exterior of the structure in which the architect, contractor or owner was exceptionally sensitive and careful to respect the historic fabric and/or setting of the property. Historic architectural elements and detailing should be repaired or replicated, using historic materials whenever possible.

Adaptive Re-use: This category recognizes a successful Adaptive Re-use of a property where the excellence in design inspires new and difference use(s) for an existing building. The historic materials and fabric of a property should be retained and used as a prime element in the design of the project.

Architecturally Compatible New Structures: This category recognizes the number of vacant properties present in the historic district and the opportunities presented for new construction that compliments the character of the district and surrounding structures.

A description, between 50 and 500 words, explaining the project being nominated: The statement should clearly identify the purpose and scope of work, unusual challenges or innovative approaches, sensitive treatment of historic fabric, long-term impact and any other information that supports the nomination as being exceptional.

A minimum of five photographs or quality digital photographs in .jpg format on a CD ROM or flash drive highlighting the project. Before and after pictures are encouraged. These items will be retained, so make necessary copies prior to submittal.

Preservation In Buda

Since the 1970s, studies conducted by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, statewide Main Street Programs, state-level tourism and economic impact studies have shown that:

Creation of historic districts stabilizes and often increases residential and commercial property values.

Historic building rehabilitation, which is more labor intensive and requires greater specialization and higher skill levels, creates more jobs and results in more local business than new construction.

Historic districts foster distinctive, attractive places that have a “Sense of Place”.

The City of Buda is home to a number of individual properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places, State Landmarks, and its own locally-adopted historic district.

Exterior alteration or new construction in the historic district often requires a Certificate of Design Compliance. Please contact the Planning & Engineering Department for information and consultation.